Scoring Runs, Balls and Wickets

In this lesson you will learn the golden rule of scoring: every delivery must be recorded somewhere. A legal ball goes in the current bowler's over box and, if the striker faced it, it counts towards their balls faced. When nothing is scored from a legal ball, you record a dot. Dot balls matter, because they show how many balls were bowled and they help you check the over has the right number of deliveries. At the end of each over you should be able to count six legal balls in the box. If you cannot, stop and check with your fellow scorer before the next over begins.

• Every delivery is recorded somewhere
• A dot shows a legal ball with no runs
• Count six legal balls in every over box
• Check with your colleague if the count is wrong

In this lesson you will learn to record runs scored off the bat. When the striker hits the ball and the batters complete one or more runs, you write the number of runs in the bowler's over box for that ball, add the same number beside the striker's name in the batting section, and cross off the same number of runs on the running tally. Those three entries must always agree. If the batters run an odd number, such as one or three, they will have changed ends, so the other batter will now be on strike. Keep track of who is on strike at all times, because the next runs must go to the right person.

• Write runs in the bowler's over box
• Add the same runs to the striker's total
• Cross off the runs on the running tally
• Odd runs mean the batters change ends

In this lesson you will learn to record boundary fours and sixes. The umpire will signal a four by waving an arm across the chest, and a six by raising both arms above the head. Acknowledge the signal, then record the four or six in the bowler's box, against the striker and on the running tally, just as you would for any other runs off the bat. Many scorers circle boundaries or use a distinct mark so they can be counted later for the scorecard. Because a boundary does not involve the batters changing ends, the striker usually stays on strike unless the over has ended. Under the Laws, if the batters had already completed more runs than the boundary allowance before the ball reached the boundary, the runs completed are scored instead.

• Four: arm waved across the chest
• Six: both arms raised above the head
• Record like any runs off the bat
• Mark boundaries clearly so they can be counted

In this lesson you will learn how to keep track of the striker. At the start of the innings note which opener is facing. After every ball, ask yourself whether the batters changed ends. They do so when they complete an odd number of runs. At the end of every over the bowling switches to the other end, so the batter at the non-striker's end will face the next ball unless the batters crossed on the final delivery. When a wicket falls, note whether the batters had crossed before the dismissal, because under the Laws this can decide whether the new batter takes strike. A quick tick beside the striker's name is a helpful habit.

• Odd runs mean the batters change ends
• Ends switch at the end of every over
• Check whether batters crossed before a dismissal
• Mark the current striker in your book

In this lesson you will learn how to record a wicket. In the bowler's over box, mark the wicket with a W or the symbol used in your book. In the batting section, write the method of dismissal, the fielder involved where relevant, and the bowler's name if the bowler is credited. Record the batter's final score, and enter the team total in the fall of wickets box. Most dismissals are straightforward, but take care with run outs, where you must note which batter was out and whether any runs were completed. If the umpire's decision is unclear from your seat, check at the next suitable break rather than guessing.

• Mark the wicket in the bowler's over box
• Record method, fielder and bowler where relevant
• Write the batter's final score
• Enter the team total in fall of wickets

In this lesson you will learn which dismissals are credited to the bowler. Under the Laws of Cricket, the bowler is credited when a batter is bowled, caught, leg before wicket, stumped or hit wicket. These are the wickets that appear in the bowler's figures. A batter who is run out, obstructs the field, or is timed out is not credited to the bowler, although the dismissal still counts as a wicket for the team. A batter who retires hurt is not out at all, and may return later. Getting this right matters, because bowling figures and averages depend on it. When in doubt, write down exactly what the umpire signalled and confirm later.

• Bowler credited: bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, hit wicket
• Run out and obstructing the field are not bowler's wickets
• Retired hurt is not a dismissal
• Bowling figures depend on getting this right

In this final lesson you will build a routine for the end of every over. First, count six legal balls in the bowler's box. Second, total the runs conceded in that over. Third, confirm that the batting totals plus extras equal the running tally. Fourth, compare the score with your fellow scorer and, where there is one, with the scoreboard. Fifth, note who will be on strike for the next over and which bowler is coming on. This takes only a few seconds once practised, and it catches almost every error before it can grow. You will use this same routine in every module that follows.

• Count six legal balls
• Total the runs from the over
• Batters plus extras must equal the total
• Agree the score with your fellow scorer